Vinaya: Value for life, society and Buddhism

Abstract

This academic article contains content about the Vinaya, which has two types : anāgāriyavinaya (The precepts of monks) and āgāriyavinaya(The precepts of laity) , which are often called “Sīla”. In this issue, the author will focus on anāgāriyavinaya as the rules of conduct for monks. If the monks practice the Vinaya with respect and kindness, it will be valuable to the monks who practice it as the foundation of other wholesome qualities, such as being modest, being content, being diligent, being easy to support, not being distressed, having happiness, having a concentrated mind, and being the foundation of the wisdom of realizing the truth, which is the attainment of the state of liberation from defilements. It is considered valuable to the monks’ lives initially.
At the same time, the monks as members of the Sangha who practice the Vinaya will result in the Sangha organization being strong, without blemishes or faults, creating a good organizational image that will be a power to spread Buddhism. The Sangha organization also creates faith in society, motivating people to be interested in coming to believe, support, learn and practice the teachings of Buddhism, leading to a peaceful society with kindness towards each other, not harming and oppressing each other. It is a value to society.
Moreover, the True Dharma, namely pariyatti (study), paṭipatti (practice), and paṭivedha (penetration), will exist because the Vinaya is the foundation for refining oneself and developing oneself to the state of realizing the truth. As long as the Vinaya and religious persons who practice the Vinaya still exist, pariyatti (study), paṭipatti (practice), and paṭivedha (penetration), which are the core of Buddhism, will still exist. Therefore, the Vinaya is valuable to Buddhism.